Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Critiques Premier League Set-Piece Focus

Arne Slot says set-pieces take away from beautiful game

Liverpool manager Arne Slot laments the growing reliance on set-pieces in the Premier League, citing impact on the game's flow.

“Maybe in five or ten years' time things will change again, but I wouldn't be surprised if you go to an under-16 game somewhere...”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is vocal about his dislike for the growing trend of set-piece focused football in the Premier League, saying it's taken some joy out of the game. He mentioned that last season's champions struggled with dead-ball situations, both defending and attacking. 

Arne Slot accepts this is the new reality, implying teams need to adapt to maximize set-piece opportunities. His 'football heart' prefers a more fluid style, but he's pragmatic about the current state of the game.

Arsenal's set-piece prowess is on full display, with seven of their past nine Premier League goals coming from dead-ball situations. In fact, they're equalling the league record with their 16th goal from a corner this season, showcasing their dominance in this area.

The Gunners' ability to capitalize on set-pieces has been a key factor in their title push, with players like William Saliba and Jurrien Timber excelling in these situations. Their set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, has played a significant role in honing this skill, and manager Mikel Arteta isn't afraid to proudly own the “Set-Piece FC” label.

“First of all, you have to accept it. I think it's mainly here in the Premier League,” Slot told reporters on Monday.

“If I watch other leagues, I don't think there's so much emphasis on set pieces.”

Arne Slot thinks Premier League goalkeepers aren't getting the protection they deserve from referees, unlike in leagues like the Dutch top division. He feels this is contributing to the rise of set-pieces, as goalkeepers are often fouled in the box.

“Here you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says just go on,” said the Dutchman.

“Do I like it? My football heart doesn't like it.”

Arne Slot is nostalgic for the Guardiola-era Barcelona, who played beautiful, possession-based football. He loves watching teams dominate possession and create chances through skillful play, rather than relying on set-pieces.

“Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch,” he said.

“But it's always interesting because it's so competitive, and that is what makes this league great, because there's so much competitiveness, everyone can beat everyone.”

Slot's being realistic about the game – he knows the set-piece trend isn't going away anytime soon. Liverpool faces Wolves on Tuesday, and he'll likely be focusing on improving his team's dead-ball situations.

“Maybe in five or ten years' time things will change again, but I wouldn't be surprised if you go to an under-16 game somewhere... I wouldn't be surprised if you see teams completely being focused, 16-year-olds on set-pieces,” he said.

“That's the new reality, and I have my opinion about it, but it doesn't change.”

"Most of the games I see are not a joy to watch." 🗣️

Arne Slot isn't a fan of watching the Premier League 😬 pic.twitter.com/kqFnmz2BGT

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 2, 2026

Liverpool is looking strong for next season's Champions League, sitting in fifth place with seven wins in their past nine games. However, they've got a tough road ahead without Florian Wirtz, who's dealing with a back issue. The German playmaker is expected to miss Tuesday's Wolves match and Friday's FA Cup game against the same opponents, both at Molineux.

Wirtz's absence is a big blow, especially after his impressive performances. Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, thinks Wirtz might be back by next week, but for now, he's focusing on getting him fit for the Champions League last 16 tie against Galatasaray on March 10.